Southern: Bad signings and poor strikerate cost McDonald Blackpool job

Keith Southern says Neil McDonald's Blackpool departure was 'inevitable'.
Neil McDonaldNeil McDonald
Neil McDonald

The Seasiders midfield hero became a regular at Pool games after announcing his retirement at the start of February, and he pointed at poor recruitment and a lack of goals as McDonald’s undoing.

Last night’s confirmation of his departure came as no surprise to Southern, who said: “It was inevitable really. No-one will be shocked he’s left his position.

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“I think he gave an indication after the game against Peterborough that change would be coming.

“It was probably just a case of seeing whether he’d be sacked, resign or a bit of both.

“It’s taken over a week but it’s a decision everyone expected really.”

McDonald was up against it from day one at Bloomfield Road, after inheriting only six professional players from Lee Clark last summer.

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He quickly assembled a squad to start the season, though one which turned out to be way short of the quality needed and Pool eventually finished third-bottom, four points from safety.

Southern thinks poor transfer dealings cost McDonald in the end.

He added: “Blackpool haven’t been good enough this season and that fact was proven with relegation.

“They haven’t scored enough goals and I think that cost them their place in League One.

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“I think recruitment is key and that was also poor under Neil McDonald.

“I think the loan signings who came in were poor and didn’t affect the group in a positive way. He never got the right combination with his front lads.”

The search for a successor starts this morning, though it is thought that Karl Oyston has already spoken to potential candidates.

Southern feels it will be a tough job for whoever takes charge. “They’ve been relegated and have had numerous managers in a short period of time,” he said.

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Southern who spent ten years at Bloomfield Road as a player and added: “They are going into the basement division, so it’s a big and tough challenge to whoever comes in.

“Confidence is low and the fanbase is dwindling, so it’s a tough decision for whoever takes the job.”